Living in United States

Famously known for being home to a diverse collection of 50 states and one capital, the United States of America is often referred to as The States, America, the US, and the USA. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, Canada, and Mexico, the climate widely changes based on location.

Top Towns and Cities in USA

What makes the country unique is the fact that tourists have the opportunity to visit over 50 different locations that each have their own local traditions, culture, and accent. With a population of over 372 million that’s largely diverse, racially and ethnically, the United States is often called the Melting Pot as it has become home to people from all over the world.

Living La Vida America

The 50 States, Capitals, and Biggest Cities

State	Capital	Largest
Alabama	Montgomery	Huntsville
Alaska	Juneau	Anchorage
Arizona	Phoenix	Phoenix
Arkansas	Little Rock	Little Rock
California	Sacramento	Los Angeles
Colorado	Denver	Denver
Connecticut	Hartford	Bridgeport
Delaware	Dover	Wilmington
Florida	Tallahassee	Jacksonville
Georgia	Atlanta	Atlanta
Hawaii	Honolulu	Honolulu
Idaho	Boise	Boise
Illinois	Springfield	Chicago
Indiana	Indianapolis	Indianapolis
Iowa	Des Moines	Des Moines
Kansas	Topeka	Wichita
Kentucky	Frankfort	Louisville
Louisiana	Baton Rouge	New Orleans
Maine	Augusta	Portland
Maryland	Annapolis	Baltimore
Massachusetts	Boston	Boston
Michigan	Lansing	Detroit
Minnesota	Saint Paul	Minneapolis
Mississippi	Jackson	Jackson
Missouri	Jefferson City	Kansas City
Montana	Helena	Billings
Nebraska	Lincoln	Omaha
Nevada	Carson City	Las Vegas
New Hampshire	Concord	Manchester
New Jersey	Trenton	Newark
New Mexico	Santa Fe	Albuquerque
New York	Albany	New York City
North Carolina	Raleigh	Charlotte
North Dakota	Bismarck	Fargo
Ohio	Columbus	Columbus
Oklahoma	Oklahoma City	Oklahoma City
Oregon	Salem	Portland
Pennsylvania	Harrisburg	Philadelphia
Rhode Island	Providence	Providence
South Carolina	Columbia	Charleston
South Dakota	Pierre	Sioux Falls
Tennessee	Nashville	Nashville
Texas	Austin	Houston
Utah	Salt Lake City	Salt Lake City
Vermont	Montpelier	Burlington
Virginia	Richmond	Virginia Beach
Washington	Olympia	Seattle
West Virginia	Charleston	Charleston
Wisconsin	Madison	Milwaukee
Wyoming	Cheyenne	Cheyenne

Federal District and Capital of the USA
Washington D.C.

Welcome to the United States of America!

Washington D.C. is the capital of the entire country and was once called the District of Columbia. The city is home to the country’s federal government. Most famously, the White House is located in Washington D.C., and is where the country’s president resides. However, Capitol Hill is where the official Capitol Building sits alongside the National Mall.

Washington D.C. is known for having numerous monuments, museums, and historic buildings. You can explore the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. If we’re discussing capitals, it’s important to understand that there is a total of 51 capitals in the United States. Alongside Washington D.C., which is the head of the country, each US state has its own capital.

Some state capitals are popular amongst the tourist crowd and others are visited less frequently. However, the US is a large country and the capital cities are just some of the places you can explore.

• History and Culture
• American Food
• Top Cities to Visit
• Points of Interest

History and Culture

The United States is a relatively young country that became independent from Great Britain on July 4th, 1776. The young age also means that the USA lacks the extensive history of European countries. However, the country’s shorter historical timeline is still filled with important events and figures.

United States History

The country was originally inhabited by Native American tribes who were then colonized by the Europeans. First contact with the Native Americans was peaceful, but as more and more pilgrims came to the “New World”, relationships disintegrated. The colonies were at war with Native Americans and eventually, they won the land and started to settle on the United States East Coast.

There were originally 13 colonies, which became states and the colonial people became those who would declare independence from Great Britain in the later years. Since colonial times, the US had its next great war from 1861 to 1865, which was the Civil War. Originally started over the debate of slavery of black people, it turned into the Northern States against the Southern States.

President Abraham Lincoln became well known for abolishing slavery and for being assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in 1865. However, the Civil War is one just part of American history and the US has been involved in World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War, among countless other squabbles and interjections into a world conflict.

American Culture

Each of these key historical events has helped shape the country into the world leader it is today. Americans are proud of their country and are resilient people. They are eager to celebrate holidays and have been known to be friendly and welcoming to visitors. Often thought of as loud, Americans are energetic and lively, which is central to American culture.

The diversity of its people has also made the country a blend of cultures. There are plenty of mixes between American and foreign cultures, which only makes Americans more unique in their character. This also means that multiple languages are spoken throughout the country.

Official Language

Except, American English dominates as it is the most widely spoken and is the official language in 31 of the 50 states. Federally, there is not a single language declared to be the official language, but the government in both individual states and Washington D.C. speaks English.

Nearly everyone living long-term in the United States speaks English. Spanish is the second most popular language, thanks to the influx of immigrants from Latin American countries, including Mexico and further south.

American Food

Americans are also known for their food and have an international reputation for being fat and eating unhealthy, yay! Whether you’re dining on true American cuisine or tasting a take on another culture’s dish, people are eager to eat and taste the local grub.

Cheeseburgers are one of the most popular American foods you can try, and they are often completed with a side of fries and a cold soda or milkshake. American cheese is melted on the beef patty and they are a staple at barbecues, diners, and even fancy restaurants.

Hot dogs are another staple that reminds people of outdoor celebrations or sports events. The most famous hot dogs are made in Chicago, called Chicago Dogs. Buffalo wings, barbeque ribs, New England clam chowder, macaroni and cheese, and meatloaf are other traditional meal items that different states have perfected.

For dessert, apple pie and chocolate chip cookies are tasty treats, which are even better when homemade. Or rather, any type of pie makes for a good dish. Cheesecake is famous and the best is in New York City. Doughnuts are also very American and have moved beyond traditional into gourmet cuisine.

Dining Out

While American food is everywhere, it does come at a price. Most travelers will spend a fair amount a day eating at inexpensive restaurants or fast food locations.

Those hoping to eat at nice restaurants, particularly luxury options like Michelin-star establishments, will need to increase their budget exponentially. This is especially true in major cities like NYC or LA.

And although the food is already expensive, you need to be prepared to pay extra because tipping your waiter is a custom throughout the country. Most tips are 20% of the total purchase and are expected at the end of the meal. While food is pricey, food and drinks can also be very pricey in bars out on the town.

A drink in LA or NYC can be quite expensive, depending on your choice of alcohol. Beer can be found rather inexpensively with Coors and Budweiser among the affordable domestic brands.

There are endless bars throughout all the cities and towns, many with happy hour each afternoon/evening, so your cup should never run dry.

Top Cities to Visit

With 50 states, there are thousands of cities that you can visit in the United States. Here, we will give a brief overview of the most popular tourist cities to explore.

Washington D.C.

As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is known for having tourist attractions like the Lincoln Memorial, Reflection Pool, Washington Monument, Smithsonian Institution, and the White House. You can also visit the Capitol Building Visitor Center and all of these aforementioned places year-round.

Travelers who visit the city are eager to learn more about the country’s past and see its achievements. The National Mall is where most of the attractions are located.

Another popular place in Washington D.C., which picks up a lot of tourism is Georgetown. The historical town is filled with cobblestone streets and has a beautiful waterfront that offers fine dining and shopping.

New York City, New York

New York City is one of the United States’ most famous cities and its largest by population. It’s where tourists flock to visit the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Time Square, Broadway, the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center.

The Big Apple has become a mega-hub for the arts, culture, food, dining, and shopping. The impressive skyline boasts a broad history and has plenty to offer for entertainment with endless museums, parks, and neighborhoods awaiting urban explorers.

Los Angeles, California

Home to Hollywood, Los Angeles has cemented its reputation in the United States as the nation’s film and television star. Many world-famous studios call the city home and they offer behind-the-scenes tours.

The Chinese Theatre displays celebrity handprints, or you may catch a glimpse of an A-lister on Rodeo Drive. Plus, the location between pristine beaches and towering mountains means that you can get active and surf or ski on the same day. Many of America’s best beach towns reside within Southern California.

Chicago, Illinois

Often called the Windy City, Chicago rests on the banks of Lake Michigan where it is home to the iconic Sears Tower. The city is well-known for its museums, sports, and food. The Navy Pier is a popular location, which has family fun entertainment.

The Art Institute of Chicago holds world-renowned pieces of art and is one of the oldest museums in the US. But after you’re done exploring and are ready for a bite to eat, you’ll have to try the city’s famous deep-dish pizza.

Orlando, Florida

For families, Orlando is the ultimate destination because it’s home to Disney World, Universal Orlando, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Located in the tropical state of Florida, high summer temperatures don’t stop families from flocking to the world-famous theme parks to catch a glimpse of their favorite characters and go for a spin on a thrilling ride.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Often called Sin City, Las Vegas is home to the famous Las Vegas Strip with endless casinos, entertainment shows, and family-friendly activities. While gambling is the major draw, numerous resorts have now made the city a fun place for the entire family. Go see a show, float on a lazy river, and maybe even get out into the desert to explore the surroundings.

Denver, Colorado

For outdoor enthusiasts, Denver gives them a taste of the city while being a short distance from the best hikes, ski slopes, and mountain adventures. The bold downtown skyline is backdropped by the Rocky Mountains and gives visitors a glimpse of some of the best sunsets. Shopping, dining, museums, and the zoo are major attractions in the city, which provide fun for the whole family.

Points of Interest

Sometimes there may be a specific landmark or site that draws your attention instead. The US has plenty of attractions, both natural and man-made.

Discover the best mineral hot springs in the US on our sister website, Top Hot Springs.

National Parks

The US is well-known for having a National Park System which devotes large pieces of land to nature preservation. The Grand Canyon in Arizona, which is a tourist attraction in itself was made into a national park and others are located throughout the various states. The national parks are the best way to view the changing natural landscape in the US and have plenty of outdoor activities and tours that you can experience.

Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, Rocky Mountains, Zion, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Arches are some of the National Parks that are all unique in their beauty.

National Parks Pass – This annual pass is good 12 months from the month of the purchase at over 2,000 federal sites. It’s called the “America the Beautiful” pass because it grants access to all the national parks, monuments and recreation areas that charge a day-use fee. They are some of America’s most sought-after gems. It’s a necessary pass to have if you’re exploring the U.S.A. by road trip.

The French Quarter in New Orleans

New Orleans has a unique culture and many tourists flock to the French Quarter to experience the nightlife, architecture, and street performers. Mardi Gras is a big celebration that happens annually in February and is a major event for the French Quarter. When it’s not Mardi Gras, tourists are still eager to taste the Cajun food and experience Creole culture. And maybe imbibing in a few hurricanes.

Niagara Falls

Shared with Canada, Niagara Falls is a large waterfall that cascades in the state of New York. The falls are commonly listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and tourists can get up close and personal with boat tours. The Canadian side tends to be the more popular side, so make sure you bring your passport to get into Canada.

Waikiki, Hawaii

Located in O’ahu, Hawaii, Waikiki is one of the United States’ most famous beaches. The beach is popular with tourists and is lined with exquisite resorts and pristine waves for surfing. The mix of high energy and tropical bliss makes Waikiki one of the top tourist locations in the United States.

Explore the Land of the Free

With so much variety and diversity, the United States has plenty to offer tourists. Each state is individually unique and with iconic attractions, many tourists are excited to see American culture with their own eyes.

The only bummer is having to choose where to go. Impossible to complete in one trip, you’ll surely be booking a return flight to explore the US even more.

Neighboring Countries